the wardette studio blog

I see so many epic american landscapes in wedding photography at the moment, I thought it high time we celebrate some our own English wonders. The Yorkshire Dales are jam packed with stunning settings, and this one is no exception. Rich & Sarah came adventuring with me, across the top hills of Malham, to style a shoot and share a genuine and special moment. On shoot, they wrote and exchanged some vows, over 3 years after their marriage.

It's Styled Shoot time! A chance for me to fully art direct a shoot, with my own vision and design. I spent weeks collecting props in vintage and second hand stores, ordering and stitching leather, location scouting across the 3 valleys, hand painting a leather jacket, and typing away on an antique type writer. All of this to design the perfect Alpine Elopement.. I'd choose a day like this over a big trad wedding, every time!

So here is the obligatory "Best of the Year" post, which I approach with both dread and excitement in equal measure. Why?! Because I am the absolute worst at recognising my own achievements, and also pretty dire at picking my favourite of anything. Call me indecisive! But here we are, and since this was my biggest ever year, it's only right that I give it a go.

This week I flashback to an editorial shoot I put together last year, which celebrated my long time passion for the books 'Memoirs of a Geisha' by Arthur Golden, and 'The Tale of Murasaki' by Liza Dalby. The images in my mind are still built up of stunning written descriptions, of layered silks and immaculate Japanese settings, and romance in a culture so exotic to me.

Out now in Perfect Wedding magazine, is this absolute stunner of a shoot. walking around in the woods, barefoot, and kissing amidst the fluttering ribbons; this bride will have you throwing out your wedding shoes and donning as many flowers in your hair as possible- whether you're getting married or not. We all have a bohemian beauty in us.. Lose yourself amidst the sun beams in these photos..

Yes, yes. Yet another retrospective "look at me and my year" post.. but this one wasn't generated by an app or Facebook; it is not chosen from my most likes or comments.. it's just you lot. All the laughing smiling faces at weddings; a bride's nervous look in the mirror; the eye contact of a three week old baby; the sun-setting on the silhouette of the Alps; a completely illegal tagging sesh in France; gigs upon gigs with my man; baby shoots, couples shoots, editorial fashion, styled shoots, magazine weddings and private weddings.. it's been quite a year!

Exciting news from The Wardette Studio! Out today, in Wedding Ideas Magazine's December issue, is my recent styled shoot at the stunning Westmill Venue, Derby. Working with an incredible team of stunning models, and talented suppliers, I art directed and shot two looks This is the first of them to hit the magazine shelves.